Politics

The AFT has launched the second phase of its campaign against excessive testing, Learning Is More Than a Test Score, which will include a policy agenda that takes into account what we learn from teachers, parents and others.

Over the next few weeks, President Obama and Congress will be under tremendous pressure during the current lame duck session to avert the looming "fiscal cliff." They will face a series of high-stakes decisions on jobs and taxes that will directly affect working families and their communities. The decisions our elected officials make could begin to close the economic inequality gap in America—or make it worse.

“For more than two decades, Sharon has been a tireless advocate for working people from all walks of life in the state of Connecticut,” said Governor Malloy. “Sharon has spent many, many years fighting for something I believe in deeply: the right to organize and collectively bargain for good wages and good benefits. I’m thrilled she’s accepted this appointment, and look forward to serving the people of Connecticut with her on our team.”

In a reverse of last week’s Senate action, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved (256-171) a bill (H.R. 8) to extend the Bush tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest 2%— about $160,000 a year for the average millionaire. The House defeated (257-170) a Democratic alternative amendment to maintain the cuts for the middle class but end the tax breaks for the rich.

Take Action!

Our national union is taking action to hold the federal education department and its contracted private servicers accountable to student loan borrowers. Click here to share your story of being subjected to predatory, fraudulent activities and of struggling with the burden of debt.